What is cystic hygroma?
Cystic hygroma is a type of birth defect that affects the lymphatic system(also known as cystic or nuchal lymphangioma).
It is characterized by the presence of large, fluid-filled sacs on the neck, armpit, or groin.
These sacs, also known as cysts, can cause swelling and difficulty breathing, eating, and moving. In some cases, the condition can be life-threatening.
Treatment of cystic hygroma
Treatment for cystic hygroma typically involves draining the fluid from the cysts and surgically removing the affected tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy or other medications may be used to shrink the cysts.
The term ‘cystic hygroma’ is corrected to macrocystic lymphatic malformation by ISSVA (International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies)
IMAGING
– Macrocystic lymphatic malformation
; Multiloculated cystic neck mass with imperceptible wall, thin septations, and fluid-fluid levels
; Location : Any face/neck location (not intracranial)
; Often in multiple contiguous spaces – transspatial
; Often crosses midline extensively
Imaging on CT
– Unilocular or multilocular cystic mass with minimal rim and/or septal enhancement
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
– 2nd branchial cleft anomaly : ovoid, unilocular cyst at angle of mandible with characteristic displacement pattern
– abscess : fluid collection with thick, enhancing, irregular wall
– teratoma : solid and cystic components and typical ± internal vascularity
– neurofibroma : T2WI often confirms characteristic target sign
Multiloculated transspatial macro lymphagitic malformation with mild wall enhancement
